When it comes to simple yet stunning side dishes, nothing competes with Easy Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes. These beautifully crosshatched golden potatoes are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor from infused herbs and seasonings. They look like a gourmet restaurant dish but are surprisingly effortless to prepare. Whether you’re serving them alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or even a simple salad, these scored potatoes add elegance and comfort to any meal.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything: from understanding the ingredients to step-by-step preparation, pro tips for guaranteed crispiness, serving suggestions, and why this recipe has become a family-favorite side dish for weeknights and dinner parties alike.
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Why You’ll Love These Scored Potatoes
Visual appeal: The scored crosshatch design not only looks impressive but also allows flavors to seep deep into the potato.
Texture perfection: Crispy golden tops paired with fluffy centers create an unbeatable bite.
Minimal effort: With just a few pantry staples and a sheet pan, you can transform humble potatoes into a show-stopping side dish.
Versatility: Works with almost any seasoning blend—herby, spicy, cheesy, or garlicky.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or whipping up a quick family dinner, these potatoes are the ultimate no-fuss crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients and Their Roles
To achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor, every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose.
Medium Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes (6–8, scrubbed clean): Russets give that fluffy interior, while Yukon Golds bring creaminess. Both varieties crisp beautifully when roasted.
Olive Oil (3–4 tablespoons): The key to golden, crisp edges. Olive oil also carries herbs and spices into the scored cuts of the potatoes.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses savory depth without burning (which fresh garlic can do in high-heat roasting).
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smoky warmth and enhances the golden-brown color.
Dried Thyme or Rosemary (1 teaspoon): Provides an herby aroma that pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for flavor balance and bringing out the natural potato sweetness.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives a subtle kick that complements the crisp exterior.
Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chives, or grated Parmesan cheese for a final flavor boost and presentation upgrade.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your sheet pan scored potatoes perfect every time:
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). High heat ensures maximum crispiness.
2. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skins on for extra crunch and nutrients.
3. Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Score the Potatoes
1. Place the cut side of each potato facing up.
2. Using a sharp knife, score a crisscross pattern across the surface of the potato halves. Cut about ¼ inch deep, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. This step is key—the cuts open up during baking, creating more crispy edges and pockets for seasoning to settle into.
Step 3: Season Generously
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme (or rosemary), salt, and black pepper.
2. Brush the mixture generously over the cut, scored sides of the potatoes, making sure it seeps into the crevices.
3. Flip the potatoes cut-side down on a parchment-lined sheet pan for the first stage of roasting (this ensures the bottoms caramelize).
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
1. Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes.
2. Flip the potatoes cut-side up and roast for another 15–20 minutes until the tops are golden and crispy.
3. For extra crunch, broil on high for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Add grated Parmesan cheese while still warm for a salty, cheesy finish.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Scored Potatoes
Dry the potatoes well before seasoning. Moisture prevents crispiness.
Use high heat (425°F/220°C)—lower temperatures will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Leave space between potato halves to allow air circulation for even crisping.
Brush again halfway through cooking. For even more flavor, drizzle or brush extra olive oil and seasoning mixture after flipping them.
Experiment with flavors. Try Cajun seasoning for heat, Italian seasoning for herby depth, or a sprinkle of smoked sea salt for boldness.
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Why This Recipe is Loved
1. Kid-friendly: The crispy edges and fun scored design make these potatoes irresistible to kids.
2. Budget-friendly: Potatoes are inexpensive, and this recipe transforms them into something gourmet-worthy.
3. Meal prep-friendly: Make a large batch, and reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for quick sides during the week.
4. Diet-friendly: Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, easily adaptable to vegan or dairy-free diets.
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Serving Suggestions
These easy sheet pan scored potatoes pair well with nearly any main dish:
With meats: Serve alongside roasted chicken, steak, or grilled lamb for a hearty dinner.
With seafood: Their herby crispiness pairs beautifully with baked salmon or garlic butter shrimp.
As a vegetarian meal: Top with sautéed vegetables, sour cream, and shredded cheese for a loaded potato dish.
With sauces: Try dipping in garlic aioli, ranch, chipotle mayo, or a tangy yogurt sauce.
For a full meal idea: Pair the potatoes with a grilled ribeye steak, a side of roasted green beans, and a fresh garden salad for a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
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Variations to Try
Cheesy Scored Potatoes: Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Spicy Kick: Mix cayenne pepper or red chili flakes into the seasoning blend.
Mediterranean Style: Use oregano, lemon zest, and a drizzle of tahini sauce after roasting.
Loaded Scored Potatoes: Top with sour cream, bacon bits, and scallions for a fun twist on loaded baked potatoes.
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Storage and Reheating
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: For best results, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the texture.
Freeze: You can freeze cooked potatoes, but they may lose some crispiness. To re-crisp, bake from frozen at 400°F until warmed through.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the best easy sheet pan scored potatoes, this recipe is it. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a sid
e dish that’s crispy, golden, flavorful, and visually stunning. It’s a dish that elevates everyday dinners and makes holiday tables shine—all without complicated techniques or specialty tools.
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